Gilmer Family Connection program under new leadership
A Christmas outreach program previously steered by the former director of Gilmer Family Connection will continue this year under new leadership.
Tiffany Watson, who, in August, started working as the local Family Connection office’s executive director, said she inherited a very well-designed program from the nonprofit’s previous director, Merle Howell Naylor.
“Merle had set up a solid program, so I feel confident that we will be able to make it happen and give some kids a brighter Christmas. A lot of that is because of the solid foundation she put in place,” Watson said.
“There are so many people in need right now, I really couldn’t have started at a better time. There are a lot of opportunities to help people,” she added.
Christmas Campaign applications can be found at the Larry Walker Educational Center (in the former home of Gilmer Middle School) beginning Monday, Nov. 30. The last day to apply will be Wednesday, Dec. 16, Watson said.
“I want there to be plenty of time for people to get their applications in, so we will start accepting them the Monday after Thanksgiving. There will be bins set up so they can pick up and drop off applications. Because everything is so secure (at the center) right now, people can’t really get in. But they can call me if they have any questions,” she added.
Last year, Naylor told the Times-Courier the Christmas Campaign, through which Family Connection provides toys and other gift items to families in need, typically reaches around 300 children a year. Shopping is done by Family Connection, and the program is funded largely by donations from local sponsors including Faith, Hope and Charity Recycle Store Inc.
“We partner with Faith, Hope and Charity every year, and they’re able to send a lot of people our way. A lot of businesses have also partnered with Merle before for sponsoring a child, and I will be reaching out to the community to see if any businesses or individuals want to do that. When I get the applications in, I will have a better feel for what we are needing,” Watson said.
Pickup of gifts will likely be done somewhat differently this year to reduce the number of people entering the center.
“Previously, people have just come to the office to do pickup, but I think we may have one or two specific times at a pickup site this year,” Watson confirmed.
Watson can be contacted with any questions about Christmas Campaign at 706-276-2319 or GCFC@ellijay.com Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Diaper drive starts Nov. 20
Gilmer Family Connection is also helping to publicize a holiday season diaper drive for local foster children that starts this month.
Mountain Wisdom Camp, a local nonprofit that hosts summer adventure camps for boys and girls, is heading the “Leave No Child Wet Behind” diaper drive that will benefit local foster families via Gilmer County DFACS.
A drop-off box has been put up on the porch of the Gilmer Chamber Downtown Welcome Center located at 10 Broad Street, noted Watson. Packages of diapers can be donated there from Nov. 20-Dec. 18.
For more details about the diaper drive, contact Mountain Wisdom Director Jay Zipperman at 706-276-2595 or zipperman@ellijay.com.